#4 Grand Valley State was picked second in the 2022 GLIAC preseason poll that was released by the league office. GVSU, the winningest football program in D2 football history, received 32 points and two first-place votes. Ferris State was picked first with 35 points, while Michigan Tech was picked to finish third (24), Saginaw Valley State fourth (22), Northern Michigan fifth (14), Wayne State sixth (12) and Davenport seventh (8). The Lakers will open the 2022 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 1 versus #3 Colorado School of Mines. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lubbers Stadium. 

Grand Valley State returns 59 letterwinners (29 Defensive/27 Offensive/ 3 Special Teams),18 starters, eight All-GLIAC honorees and eight GLIAC Player of the Week honors. The Lakers feature a preseason honor candidate at every position, including five preseason All-Americans. 

"We had an outstanding season in 2021, winning 10 games, moving into postseason action and advancing in the playoffs," said 12th-year head coach Matt Mitchell. "However, the season did not end the way we wanted and you come to Grand Valley State to win league titles and multiple games in the NCAA Playoffs. We feel that we have a talented returning cast of players in all phases of the game. Our student-athletes have embraced the process that we have put in front of them and done the work on and off the field."s

The Lakers' schedule is one of the most challenging in the country, featuring two top three teams, two teams that appeared in the NCAA semifinals and nine games against teams that have appeared in the NCAA playoffs.

2022 GLIAC Preseason Poll
1. Ferris State 35 (5)
2. Grand Valley State 32 (2)
3. Michigan Tech 24
4. Saginaw Valley State 22
5. Northern Michigan 14
6. Wayne State 12
7. Davenport 8